Claimant count is up, but more are in work

The number of claimants in Northumberland has increased from this time last year, new figures reveal.

Yesterday, the Office for National Statistics announced the latest Labour Market Statistics.

The data shows that the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit in the county has risen by eight per cent, standing at 4,490.

The number of claimants in the county aged between 18 and 24 is 1,110; no change from last year.

The rise in claimants has been seen throughout the country. This has been attributed to the fact that Universal Credit figures have started to be included in the claimant count.

However, the figures show that record numbers of people are in work across the North East. There are currently just over 1.2million people in employment, which is a rise of 51,000 on this time last year.

Unemployment has dropped by 30,000, now standing at 79,000. The claimant count in the North East has risen by 4,400 and is currently 51,900.

Employment Minister Damian Hinds, said: “Yet again we have strong figures. Employment continues to run at a record high and unemployment has fallen to an 11-year low.”